Ukhrul district library in pathetic state
Source: The Sangai Express / Mungchan Zimik
Ukhrul, February 06 2014:
The Ukhrul district library located inside the Mini Secretariat complex, Ukhrul has been in pathetic state.
Only two staff�one chowkidar (regular appointment) and a casual counter attendance, have been looking after the district library round the clock in the absence of librarian and other subordinate staff.
When enquired, it has been found that there is no single fresh registered member/client of the library other than 20 already registered library members of the district since few years back.
It has also been learnt that the library is functioning without a regular librarian for more than 10 years.
As such, issuing of library cards is impossible.
As per the accession registered records, the library has received 9500 books from Raja Ram Mohan Roy foundation, Kolkata; 1200 books from State Central Library besides 4200 general books of the library.
In a brief interaction, the Counter attendant confided that the staff have endured several inconveniences during the last 4- 5 years after the library was taken over by ADC, Ukhrul.
No fund was sanctioned for maintenance purpose.
She said that no new books have been purchased and one computer set received from DC office has been kept in the carton box for at least 5 years now as there is no operator.
The whole reading rooms of the library are yet to be electrified.
She has to attend the office simply as readers abstain from visiting the district library as their demand of latest books were not readily available.
To top her grievance, the attendant complained that she has been not getting her salary since 2012 .
It may be mentioned that the Directorate of Art and Culture, Govt of Manipur has allotted Rs 11 lakh for maintenance of district library and other activities for 2013-2014 through the ADC, Ukhrul.
There is strong feeling among the reading circle of the district that the State Government should rescue the dying district library and to allocate/sanction the sufficient amount of fund for better services to the people of the Ukhrul district.